St John Ambulance

1. St John Ambulance Please note: Any deviation from the slides contained in the original presentation are not sanctioned by St John Ambulance. Individuals will be held personally liable for any information on additional slides added to this presentation.

2. Poisons

4. Poisons By the end of this session you will be able to: • describe how poisons can enter the body • respond appropriately to a poisoned casualty • give some examples of different sorts of poisons.

5. Poisons Definition A poison is any substance taken in sufficient quantity to cause damage to the body.

6. Poisons Poisons can enter the body in five ways: • absorbed through the skin • injected through the skin • inhaled • splashed in the eyes • swallowed.

7. Poisons - absorbed through the skin What you should do: • remove any clothing with the poison on it • place the affected part under running water for at least 20 minutes • treat any burns that are present • seek medical help.

8. Poisons - injected through the skin What you should do: • treat for a bite or a sting if appropriate • dial 999 or 112 for an ambulance • if the casualty is unconscious place them in the recovery position • start CPR if necessary.

9. Poisons - inhaled fumes What you should do: • if safe to do so, lead the casualty away from the source of poisonous fumes • dial 999 or 112 for an ambulance • reassure the casualty • start CPR if necessary.

10. Poisons - splashed in the eye What you should do: • hold the affected eye under gently running cold water for at least 10 minutes • dial 999 or 112 for an ambulance • identify the poison if possible • start CPR if necessary.

11. Poisons - swallowed What you should do: • reassure the casualty • try and find out what the casualty has taken • dial 999 or 112 for an ambulance • if the casualty’s lips or mouth are burning, give small sips of water or milk.